Gov. Hochul Declares State of Emergency for New York Amid 2026 Winter Storm
Governor Kathy Hochul has formally announced a state of emergency for New York in anticipation of a substantial winter storm. This storm is projected to bring dangerous cold and snowfall of up to 18 inches across various regions of the state by Monday.
Dangerous Weather Forecast
Starting Friday night, the state will experience extreme cold, with wind chill temperatures potentially reaching as low as negative 50 degrees in some areas. On Saturday night, wind chills are expected to drop to around negative 30 degrees.
Snow Accumulation Projections
- New York City, Long Island, Hudson Valley, Capital Region, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, lower North Country, and parts of Central New York: 12 to 18 inches of snow.
- Western New York and the upper North Country: 6 to 12 inches of snow.
The National Weather Service has issued extreme cold watches from 7 p.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Saturday for the North Country. The storm is predicted to begin affecting the region on Sunday morning and continue through Monday.
Safety Precautions and Travel Advisory
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of taking this severe cold weather seriously. She advised New Yorkers to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. If travel is essential, individuals should allocate extra time for their journeys and include supplies like blankets, water, and snacks in their vehicles.
“Safety is always the top priority, so make sure you are ready to face this storm,” Hochul stated.
Impact on Services and Voting
State officials have directed non-essential employees to telecommute on Monday, where applicable. Additionally, early voting for New York City’s special elections scheduled for February 3 has been suspended for Sunday and Monday due to the weather. The New York City Board of Elections is collaborating with state officials to extend voting hours for the remainder of the early voting period.
Emergency Alerts and Cold Weather Protocol
During extreme cold, a Code Blue is activated whenever the temperature and wind chill register at or below 32 degrees. This requires local social services to provide extended shelter access for those experiencing homelessness.
New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for weather and emergency alerts by sending a text to 333-111. This ensures residents remain informed about the fast-changing weather conditions and safety advisories.
